Utah Bicycle Accident Lawyers
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Utah Bike Accident Lawyers Who Fight for Cyclists the Insurance Company Wants to Ignore
Cyclists have every right to be on Utah roads, but that does not protect them when a driver is not paying attention. Bicycle accidents cause some of the most serious injuries in personal injury law, and the financial and physical toll can follow victims for years. When a bicycle crash happens, insurance companies move quickly to assess what they owe, and their starting point is always as low as possible. Without someone in your corner, that opening offer can become the final one.
Creekside Legal represents bicycle accident victims across Utah, and we understand what these cases involve. We handle your medical bills, make sure you are getting the right treatment for injuries that are often more complex than they first appear, and build a claim that accounts for everything this crash has cost you, including lost income, long-term care, and the impact on your daily life. Drivers and their insurers need to be held accountable, and we know how to make that happen.
There is nothing to pay unless we win your case. And when we do, we take a smaller percentage than most Utah firms charge, because you should not have to fight twice, once to recover from your injuries and again to get what you are owed.
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“Matt has been awesome! “
“He is very knowledgeable, and he will do everything in his power to help you out. I was impressed with how quick he got back with me. These guys are the real deal!”
– Cooper P.
What Our Clients Are Saying
“He did a fantastic job!”
” He helped make go pretty smoothly and was very patient with me and answered any questions I had, super helpful and friendly. I definitely recommend him to anyone.”
– Thuvan Z.
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“Absolutely loved the work and effort put in with my case!”
“MATT is amazing and gets things done fast:)”
– Joscelynn B.
Our Utah Bicycle Accident Legal Team
Matt Schmoldt
Lawyer
Jenny Hoppie
Lawyer
Tyler Tapp
VP of Legal
Annie Edwards
Senior Paralegal
Sandra Westwood
Paralegal
Why Work With Us?
Experienced & Dependable
With over three hundred five-star reviews, you can be confident that we will take care of you and your case.
Pay Nothing... Until We Win
We won’t let you pay us… until we win. We also take less of your settlement than other personal injury law firms.
Medical Bills & Treatment
We will help you with your medical bills. We also make sure that you get the right medical treatment.
Get A Larger Settlement
Studies show that injury settlements are larger when a personal injury lawyer is representing you.
What Types of Compensation Might I Receive After My Utah Bike Accident?
Your compensation will depend on the facts of your case. Simple factors such as whether or not traffic laws or cycling laws were violated, whether you were using the bike lane, and types of injuries will all affect your compensation.
For example, the compensation for a spinal cord injury or brain injury will be much different than compensation for road rash.
When you have a consultation with a lawyer from Creekside Injury Law, we will help you figure out what your case might be worth.
Common Forms of Compensation for a Utah Bike Accident:
- Payment for emotional distress that came about as a result of the bike accident.
- Loss of earning capacity due to permanent injury from the bike accident.
- Lost wages due to the inability to work.
- Payment of medical expenses, including rehabilitation expenses, and costs of psychological treatment needed as a result of the bicycle accident.
- Long term care, such as in home nursing care.
- Payment for future medical expenses that will be incurred as a result of the accident.
- Wrongful death payments.
A Utah bicycle accident attorney can help you with the specifics of your case, and see if other forms of compensation might be available.
Do I Need A Utah Bicycle Accident Attorney To Handle My Case?
After a bicycle crash, it can be tempting to handle things on your own, especially if the other driver’s fault seems obvious. The problem is that obvious fault does not translate automatically into fair compensation. Insurance companies have experienced adjusters and attorneys whose job is to find reasons to reduce your payout, and they are very good at it. Without someone who knows how these cases work, you are negotiating against professionals who do this every day.
Hiring a bike accident lawyer takes the pressure off you and your family at a time when your focus should be on getting better. We know how insurance companies evaluate claims, what evidence carries the most weight, and where adjusters look for reasons to push back. We know which medical documentation matters, how to account for injuries that develop or worsen over time, and how to put a number on losses that are harder to quantify, like pain, limitations on daily life, and long-term impact on your ability to work. That kind of knowledge does not come from reading about the process. It comes from working inside it.
Creekside Legal has helped cyclists across Utah recover compensation after serious crashes, and we are ready to do the same for you. The insurance company already has a team working on this. You should too.
Statute of Limitations: Utah’s Time Limits on Bicycle Accident Claims
Utah gives bicycle accident victims four years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. That window can feel generous, but waiting works against you. Evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to locate, and the details that support your case get harder to establish the longer you wait. Insurance companies know this, and they are not going to remind you that the clock is running.
There are situations that can affect when that deadline starts or whether it can be extended, including cases involving minors or injuries that were not immediately apparent. The safest thing you can do is talk to an attorney as soon as possible after your crash so nothing slips through the cracks.
Reach out to Creekside Legal today for a free consultation.
“Matt and his team were great. “
“Very responsive and helped me reach a settlement that was fair and protected my interests. Would definitely recommend.”
– Layne S.
Utah Bicycle Accident FAQs
What should I do if I’m in a Utah bicycle crash?
Injured folks regret not bringing their phones, causing them to miss out on photographic evidence, or the ability to call for help.
Your health and safety should be the top priority in any case. If you or a loved one are the victim of a bicycle accident, especially one involving a car, call 911 and seek medical attention.
Once you have ensured your safety, or the safety of your loved one and family members, there are a few things you should do.
After being involved in a Utah bicycle accident:
- Photograph anything that might be relevant. This can include any physical injury, any property damage, the car, any bikes that were involved, and the scene of the accident itself.
- Leave your bicycle where it is. Police can determine a lot of information about the case by looking at the location and condition of bicycles after a collision has occurred. This information will become important when you speak to a Utah bike accident lawyer.
- Get the names and insurance information from any involved party. This can include the driver of the involved car, any passengers, or even another cyclist who was nearby and saw what happened.
- DO NOT post about your bicycle accident on social media, and never admit fault. Many cases become compromised because of a careless comment or photo shared about the case online. Insurance companies, private investigators, and even other attorneys may be hired to look into your case and they will review your social media accounts.
- Don’t make any statements about your case until you speak with a bicycle accident attorney. The industry professionals at Creekside Injury Law employ an experienced bicycle accident attorney, and as one of our clients, we can assist you with your case.
What are my rights as a cyclist in Utah?
Bike accident lawyers know how enjoyable it is to cycle. As cycling becomes more and more popular, it is important to understand your rights when it comes to cycling. All cyclists should be on the same page about their rights, and how to enjoy those rights.
Your bicycle is considered to be a car when it is on the road, and as such you have the same rights as any other vehicle on the road. You have the right to use the road, just like everyone else in their car, or on their bike.
While many motorists may not like it, their feelings do not change the fact that bikes have every right to be on the roadway. Utah has enacted numerous laws regarding bikes, and motorists are required to obey them as they are any other traffic laws.
If someone has violated your rights as a Utah cyclist, an attorney at Creekside Injury Law can help you get compensated for it. Let us help you get compensation for the damage you suffered as the result of a Utah bike accident.
What are the common causes of Utah bike accidents?
Many people don’t know that the most common bicycle accidents occur when cyclists are hit by drivers between 20 and 24 years old. This comes as a surprise to many Utahns, who blame older drivers for bicycle accidents. In fact – drivers over 75 are actually the least likely to be involved in a bike crash with a cyclist.
The most common behaviors involving negligence that leads to bike accidents are:
- Texting
- Driving carelessly
- Going through stop signs without stopping
- Not yielding to cyclists who have the right of way
What are some common injuries suffered in a Utah bicycle accident?
Have you ever seen someone riding a horse? It looks like fun, but also a little bit scary, right? Being up on top of a large moving object that is capable of making its own decisions is intimidating, but consider this: bike accident injuries are second in seriousness only to horseback riding accidents.
Next time you go cycling, consider the need for appropriate safety precautions.
Serious injuries can come from a bike accident, including spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. These injuries can be made worse for those who do not have appropriate protection, like helmets and other safety gear.
Depending on how the bike accident occurs, including how the cyclist is hit, how they hit the road, and many other factors (even impacts that seem minor) can result in death. If the way these factors all work together seem confusing, don’t be worried – this is why bike accident lawyers are here to assist you with your injury claim.
The Most Common injuries sustained while cycling are:
- Head injuries
- Eye injuries
- Lost teeth and other dental injuries
- Road rash
- Punctured lungs
- Abdominal injuries, such as ruptured intestines
The Most Common factors contributing to injuries in the cycling community are:
- Age
- Gender
- Weather
- Time of day
- Improper use of safety gear, including not using safety gear at all
- Alcohol or drug intoxication
- Involvement of a car or truck in the accident
These factors will contribute to your case, and the attorney at Creekside Injury Law is well equipped to explain how your case will be affected by any or all of the above considerations.
What are some of Utah's bicycle laws?
There are some basic bicycle laws in Utah that you should be aware of before going out on your next bicycle adventure.
Bicycle equipment laws
Bikes are required to provide some kind of audible signal when passing a pedestrian.
Bikes must have brakes, and those brakes must be capable of stopping the bike within 25 feet while it is travelling at a speed of 10mph.
Bikes are not allowed to have sirens or whistles attached to them.
On the roadway
Bicycles are required to drive in the same direction as traffic. Even if there is a dedicated bike lane, cyclists must ride as far to the right as possible.
Bikes may pass vehicles on the right by driving off of the roadway.
Cyclists may not ride more than two bikes side by side at any given time. If riding in this manner would impede traffic, then they may not ride side by side at all.
Bicycles may be specifically prohibited from certain areas, and it is illegal to ride a bike in those areas.
Cyclists may not attach themselves to other vehicles, whether by some kind of device, or by grabbing ahold.
Bikes must yield to pedestrians.
Parking
Bikes may be parked on sidewalks, so long as there is no sign saying not to.
Bikes may be parked on the roadway where vehicles would be allowed to park, as long as the bike is within 12 inches of a curb and is not blocking any other vehicles.
Cyclists are subject to all other vehicle laws, such as red lights, stop signs, one way roads, and signs prohibiting right turns against red lights.
Signals
Cyclists are required to signal turns or lane changes using accepted hand signals. The hand signals include:
- Left turn – left hand and arm extended horizontally.
- Right turn – left hand and arm extended upward or right hand and arm extended horizontally.
- Stop or decrease speed – left hand and arm extended downward.
For more information on bicycle laws, visit https://highwaysafety.utah.gov/pedestrian-and-bicycle-safety/bicycle-safety/
How many bicycle accidents happen each year in Utah?
In 2020, there were 465 bike accidents, and 8 of them were fatal. Many of these accidents were preventable, but all of them are tragic, life-altering events.
These are sobering numbers. Worse still, of all the fatal crashes on Utah roads in 2020, approximately 3% are bicycle involved. These statistics point strongly to the need for cyclists to protect themselves, and we have included suggestions to prevent collisions and injuries below.
How can Utah cyclists prevent accidents?
Because not every bicycle accident can be prevented, the first thing any cyclists should do is wear a helmet. Helmets can prevent death and other head injuries in the event of a bike accident. Proper head protection is critical to any cyclist.
In addition to wearing a helmet, cyclists should consider doing the following:
- Before cycling in a group, make sure you and your family or friends are on the same page. Know your destination, the route you are planning to take, and any rest stops along the way. Salt Lake City, UT, for example, maintains a list of bike paths and trails online, making planning a cycling trip easy.
- Know the cycling laws, and know the traffic laws. Cities may pass their own laws for cyclists, so a general Utah bicycle law may be different than a law in Logan, UT or Salt Lake City, UT. Knowing what the local laws are for cycling allows cyclists to anticipate the movement of cars, and possibly prevent a collision before it happens. Fortunately if the worst happens, a bicycle accident lawyer at Creekside Injury Law is familiar with cycling laws and other laws affecting cyclists around all of Utah, and will know of any laws at play in your case.
- Wear bright, reflective clothing. If riding as a family, have all family members wear bright, reflective clothing. This kind of clothing serves as another layer of protection, and increases your visibility to cars and people.
- Outfit your bike with safety gear, such as mirrors, reflectors, and lights. These all serve as another kind of protection, increasing your visibility, and preventing injury.
Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of serious injury or death by as much as 85%. The importance of proper protection while cycling can not be overstated.
What are the responsibilities of Utah drivers in regards to bikers?
Drivers have the same responsibilities to bicycles that they have to other drivers. In Utah, a bike is considered to be a vehicle when it is being ridden on the roadway. In addition to the regular rules of the road, other drivers can not pass within three feet of a moving bicycle, and may not attempt to distract a bicyclist in order to cause a collision or force them off the road.
Just as with vehicles, motorists are required to stop if they are involved in a collision involving a bike. A driver of a car must provide insurance information after being involved in a bike accident, just as though they had been in an accident with another vehicle.
Is the driver of a car always the one at fault in a Utah bicycle accident?
Not always, no. In some cases the cyclist can be at fault, if for example they violated one of the traffic cycling laws. Careful investigations have to be done in all cases, and bike accident lawyers know what kind of things to look for to protect your rights, including your rights to use the road.
I was the victim, will my bike accident case be handled in a civil or criminal court?
Your Utah bicycle accident claim will be handled in civil court. Some cases can also involve criminal elements, such as when the driver of a car was DUI and was involved in a Utah bicycle accident. Even if your case involves something criminal, your case will be handled in civil court by bicycle accident attorneys.
Will the car insurance from the other driver in my Utah bicycle accident cover my injury claim and other expenses?
The good news is that in most cases, Utah cyclists are allowed to make claims against car insurance policies for an injury claim, property damage, or any other expense arising from their cases. Bike accident lawyers help clients recover from insurance companies, and the team here can help you recover in your bike accident case as well.
What are my rights regarding different options for financial recovery from my bicycle accident case?
As discussed above, you can file a claim with an insurance company for injuries or damages arising from a bicycle accident case. The insurance company will review your claim, and decide what to pay out based on what is best for them and their company.
It should come as no surprise that the insurance company’s job is not to get you the best settlement, but instead is to give you as little as possible to protect their bottom line. Only bringing a claim against an insurance company can leave you with unpaid bills, personal property that isn’t fixed, and injuries that aren’t recovering.
You also have the option to bring a personal injury claim against the other party in court. A bicycle accident attorney at Creekside Injury Law can assist you in this process, as they have for many other clients, and maximize the amount of money you get.
Bringing a personal injury claim to the courts opens up additional doors for compensation, allowing you to recover more than what an insurance policy may be limited to. As medical costs go up, having a lawyer to fight for you against the insurance company, and against the other party, just makes sense. Don’t limit your recovery after a Utah bicycle accident by representing yourself.
Are bicycle accident lawyers able to tell me how much my accident case is worth?
Every bicycle accident case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the specific details of what happened and how it has affected your life. At Creekside Legal, when you reach out for a free consultation, one of our attorneys will sit down with you and go through the full picture. We look at the nature and severity of your injuries, whether you missed work during your recovery, what your medical bills have added up to, and what ongoing treatment you may still need. We also account for the harder-to-quantify losses, like emotional suffering, pain, and the ways this crash has changed your daily life.
Most people have no idea what their case is actually worth, and that is exactly what insurance companies count on. Our job is to make sure you do. After reviewing the details of your situation, we will give you an honest assessment of what we believe your claim is worth and how we would go about pursuing it. There is no obligation and nothing to pay unless we win. Contact Creekside Legal today to get started.